Unity, Empowerment and Black Creativity in Winnipeg

In the heart of Winnipeg, the annual fundraiser at the University of Manitoba (UM) in support of Black initiatives has been instrumental in hosting many events celebrating Black history, culture and creators. This February, one such event is special: the Black History Month event of the Afro-Caribbean Mentoring Program on the 16th, a celebration of black entrepreneurship, enlightening discussions and unity.

A night of unity and energy

More than 60 people gathered at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG-Qaumajuq) on a cold February evening. The event? Threads, a fashion show in collaboration with Black Artists Winnipeg Gallery. Held during Black History Month, the event aims to strengthen the voice of black creators in the local fashion scene and features many designers.

Makers and models: A symphony of talent

Designers showcasing their work included Mide Tamar, Feferity Designs and Osachi Jewelry. Kehinde Odenusi, founder of Feferity Designs, expressed his great joy at having his work displayed at the event. “It's so important to have representation and unity in the fashion industry,” she said. “Being a part of Threads is an incredible opportunity to showcase our talents and inspire others in the Black community.”

Removing obstacles and embracing excellence

Model Eniola Adepoju shared her passion for celebrating great black role models and the challenges she faces as a black model. “There is a lack of representation in the modeling industry and it can be frustrating at times,” she admits. “But events like Threads remind me that I'm not alone and that there's a whole community of black creators working to change the status quo.”

Event organizer Olivia Cassie noted that Threads is just the beginning. “We'd love to have more events like this in the future that include black creators from a variety of industries,” he said. “There is so much talent in our community and it's important that we have a platform to showcase it.”

As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and empowerment. The annual fundraiser in support of Black Initiatives at UM has once again proven its commitment to supporting a vibrant and inclusive community. In the words of Zilla Jones, keynote speaker at the upcoming Afro Caribbean Mentoring Program Black History Month event, “When we come together, we can create a world where every voice is heard and every dream is fulfilled.”

Main points:

• The annual fundraiser, which supports Black initiatives at UM, funded a variety of events celebrating Black history, culture and creators in Winnipeg.
• One such event, Threads, was organized in partnership with Black Artists Winnipeg WAG-Qaumajuq and featured designers such as Mide Tamar, Feferity Designs and Osachi Jewelry.
• Feferity Designs founder Kehinde Odenusi and model Eniola Adepoju shared their experiences and the importance of representation in the fashion industry.
• Event organizer Olivia Cassie said she plans to host more events featuring black authors in the future.
• The Afro Caribbean Mentoring Program's Black History Month event on February 16 will feature a Black Business Expo, dinner, keynote address by Zilla Jones and a panel discussion on Black Empowerment.